Third Sunday of Advent Year A

15th December, 2013

Theme: Joy

(An Advent Question from John the Baptist)!

Key Preaching Verses

Matthew 11.2-6: “When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask Him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ Jesus replied, ‘Go back and report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.’”

Focus Questions

Before John the Baptist was murdered, he sent some of His disciples to Jesus to ask this question: “Are you the one who was to come or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11.3). We might like to ask a similar question this Advent: How do we know that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah and Saviour of the world? If, for example, the Second Coming of Jesus was to occur on Christmas Day, 25th December 2013. how would you recognise Jesus as the Christ and would you be ready to meet him?

What personal stories can you tell about God’s saving grace active in your life that has convinced you that Jesus is your Lord and Saviour?

In a world suffering from a crisis of hope, peace and joy, how do we Christians dare to rejoice in God’s promise of Emmanuel (God with us)?

Take Home Challenge

After Church today I would like you to go home and clean up your house, change the sheets on the beds, do the vacuuming and put out the welcome mat because Jesus is coming. Of course the house I am talking about is not your earthly house but your spiritual home.

If Jesus Christ came to your place today would you be ready to welcome him?